Connor McDavid, Oilers Still Talking Extension

Despite being one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, superstar Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers have yet to reach an agreement on a contract extension. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes there’s a clear window where both sides could come together to get a deal done.

With one year remaining on his deal, McDavid would be set for unrestricted free agency next offseason if an extension with the Oilers cannot be worked out. But on his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman noted his belief that the two sides can come together following Team Canada’s Olympic Camp (August 26-28) and before Oilers training camp kicks off.

“At the start of camp, I could see it. I just think everyone wants to get it done,” said Friedman, who added his belief that both sides would be motivated to get it done before training camp to avoid any potential distractions. “I would expect between Olympic camp and training camp that they sit down and say, ’How’s this going?'”

While talks have dragged on longer than the Oilers might prefer, a departure has always seemed unlikely for the four-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner. GM Stan Bowman further removed doubt in late July when he noted that extension talks were ongoing and heading in a positive direction. At the time, Bowman said he was “very encouraged” by his early conversations with McDavid’s agent, Judd Moldaver.

The real question isn’t if the extension will get worked out, but when and for how much annually. McDavid’s current contract carries a $12.5 million AAV, and it’s conceivable he’ll aim for the highest annual salary in the league — a mark currently held by teammate Leon Draisaitl, whose new deal carries a $14 million AAV over the next five seasons.

McDavid tallied 26 goals and 100 points in 67 games last season, notching the seventh 100-point campaign of his already remarkable career. He followed that up with a league-leading 33 points in the playoffs.